Synonyms of disputes

disputes 1 of 2

noun

plural of dispute

1

as in controversies

variance of opinion on a matter

a dispute over the proper pronunciation of "nuclear"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• controversies
• disputations
• disagreements
• debates
• differences
• contestations
• contentions
• dissensions
• difficulties
• firestorms
• conflicts
• clashes
• conflictions
• nonconcurrences
• quarrels
• arguments
• discords
• dissensuses
• collisions
• fights
• dissonances
• struggles
• misunderstandings
• altercations
• strifes
• bickers
• disaccords
• divisions
• combats
• divarications
• fallings-out
• kickups
• set-tos

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agreements
• harmonies
• accords
• consensuses
• acceptances
• compliances
• unanimities
• concords
• peaces

2

as in disagreements

an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions

after much dispute, the school committee decided that all backpacks would have to be stored in lockers during class hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disagreements
• quarrels
• altercations
• controversies
• fights
• arguments
• bickers
• misunderstandings
• brawls
• squabbles
• disputations
• skirmishes
• wrangles
• imbroglios
• feuds
• clashes
• spats
• tiffs
• rows
• debates
• contretemps
• differences
• battles royal
• cross fires
• donnybrooks
• fallings-out
• rhubarbs
• tussles
• scraps
• hassles
• kickups
• argle-bargles
• set-tos
• tangles
• argy-bargies
• protests
• contentions
• objections
• vendettas
• attacks
• protestations
• dissensions
• run-ins
• logomachies
• fisticuffs
• catfights
• affrays
• melees
• fracases
• fusses
• frays
• free-for-alls

disputes

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of dispute

1

as in challenges

to demand proof of the truth or rightness of

a whole slew of relatives eager to dispute his claim to being the sole heir

Synonyms & Similar Words

• challenges
• questions
• contests
• doubts
• queries
• protests
• calls in question
• impeaches
• oppugns
• opposes
• objects (to)
• mistrusts
• fights
• resists
• kicks (about)
• combats

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• believes
• accepts
• embraces
• defends
• supports
• swallows
• advocates
• backs
• promotes
• champions
• endures
• tolerates
• abides
• stomachs

2

as in bickers

to express different opinions about something often angrily

hometown fans disputing with visiting fans over which had the better team

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bickers
• quarrels
• argues
• fights
• clashes
• squabbles
• debates
• brawls
• wrangles
• tiffs
• spats
• rows
• quibbles
• controverts
• hassles
• scraps
• locks horns
• falls out
• jars
• discusses
• brabbles
• altercates
• argufies
• mixes it up
• bandies words
• challenges
• butts heads
• contests
• contends
• dares
• protests
• tangles
• objects
• defies
• fusses
• cavils
• kicks
• nitpicks
• considers

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agrees
• accepts
• consents
• coexists
• concurs
• gets along
• assents

3

as in debates

to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion

in an extended session the city council disputed the need for a new high school

Synonyms & Similar Words

• debates
• discusses
• argues
• reviews
• talks over
• moots
• canvasses
• agitates
• bats (around or back and forth)
• bandies
• hashes (over or out)
• raises
• speaks (about)
• talks (about)
• considers
• propounds
• stirs up
• weighs
• introduces
• broaches
• talks out
• hammers out
• forges
• thrashes (out)
• deliberates
• wrestles (with)
• chews over

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of disputes

Noun

The union is tied up in labor disputes over recent attempts to unionize facilities in two of those places — Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego and Innercare, a community clinic in El Centro. — Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026

The actions mark a sharp break with a US practice of handling bilateral disputes largely behind closed doors, and not openly interfering in Mexican politics. — Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

Faye and Sonko's alliance, forged ahead of the 2024 presidential election, unraveled amid disputes over key policy decisions, including how to approach negotiations with the International Monetary Fund over a loan program amid a severe debt crisis. — ABC News, 25 July 2026

But the disconnect between mining investments across Africa and economic benefits for local and national economies has created project risk, with disputes over land and benefit-sharing delaying developments and raising costs. — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 24 July 2026

The relevant mechanism is whether environmental review, litigation or permitting disputes slow Starship testing and launch cadence. — Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

The 2026 primaries are resurfacing controversies about mail-in ballots that were at the heart of election disputes in 2020. — Andrew E. Busch, The Conversation, 23 July 2026

This includes any number of disputes between parties, but also issues such as evictions, scams targeting senior citizens, and domestic-violence protective orders. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026

Beyond on-pitch disputes over refereeing calls, life and politics have spilt into the tournament like never before. — Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Verb

The appeal also disputes Raper’s assessment of Wilson’s credibility. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 July 2026

No one disputes this or suggests any medical specialty that can correct all of society’s failures. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 18 July 2026

The documentary, hosted by attorney Chris Pixley and featuring Scott's former defense lawyer, Mark Geragos, questions the timeline of Laci's disappearance and disputes other facts presented. — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Lore disputes the characterizations—and has a personal stake in the allergen debate. — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 16 July 2026

The family disputes the characterization of his case, arguing that his pending asylum application and work authorization should have been taken into account as his immigration case proceeds through the courts. — Ivan Taylor, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026

In a statement provided to Ars, a spokesperson confirmed that OpenAI is still reviewing Apple’s complaint but disputes the core claim that OpenAI is relying on Apple insights to build a hardware business that could rival Apple’s device empire. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026

Dawkins disputes the notion that Young’s contract will prevent the Wizards from building their roster in coming years. — Josh Robbins, New York Times, 11 July 2026

Lee also disputes the idea that the restrictions will primarily affect unregulated sellers. — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026